Soul Searchin' Feature Documentary - London Screening

Soul Searchin' is a feature-length documentary that delves into the passionate world of rare soul music record collectors and the crate digging culture. It highlights how these enthusiasts transform obscure tracks into cultural treasures, preserving the legacies of forgotten Black, Chicano & Latino artists celebrated within the West Coast Mexican American (Chicano) community that has proved equally popular in the UK and Japan amongst Rare Soul afficionados. There is a very particular sound slow raw heartfelt Soul on DIY independent private press limited Vinyl runs from the 60s and 70s a far cry from the polished sound of Motown or raw gritty southern sound of Stax. This is the ‘sweet’ sound of Soul group harmonies from obscure Artists who in most cases had at most a handful of releases then disappeared without trace only to be rediscovered, treasured and celebrated years later by these collectors.

The film focuses on key protagonists Ruben Molina, Josh Whittemore, and Arlene Sepulveda—collectively known as The Southern Soul Spinners from Los Angeles, California. Through their stories, the documentary reveals how soul music so often inspires a love for record collecting shared by collectors all over the world and in part responsible to the continued resurgence of Global Vinyl sales.

This documentary charts the story the ‘Lowrider’ scene through the eyes of the key protagonists. This movement is most prevalent on the west coast of America and has inspired a new generation of Artists replicating that unique Retro Soul sound they have championed for decades. In recent years these Artists have become hugely popular across the world such as Thee Sacred Souls, Jalen Ngonda, Aaron Frazer, Durand Jones & The Inclinations, Thee Sinseers, The Altons etc.

Jesus Cruz, an independent filmmaker from the San Francisco Bay Area, developed a passion for soul music in childhood through legendary labels like Motown and Stax. A high school discovery of a CD with Mexican American prison-style artwork introduced him to the “Lowrider oldies” or “Souldies” subculture within the Chicano community. In 2022, he directed Souleros, a short documentary about Bay Area record collectors that garnered acclaim in U.S. film festivals, winning Best Short Documentary at the Lone Star Film Festival in Fort Worth, Texas.

Ruben Molina, a renowned independent scholar and soul music enthusiast, began collecting Mexican-American and soul music recordings as a teenager in 1960s Los Angeles, California. He is the author of two influential books: The Old Barrio Guide to Low Rider Music (2000), which documented music central to Chicano lowrider culture, and Chicano Soul (2008), which explored the history and recordings of Mexican-American soul groups and garage bands across the Southwest.

As co-founder of the Southern Soul Spinners collective, Ruben shares his extensive collection through DJ performances in major U.S. cities and internationally in England, Mexico City, Spain, Germany, and Japan.

Trailer

Special Exclusive London Screening + Q&A + Colour One Tear Black After Party

This event is Ticket Only in an exclusive Private Members Club - The Old Warner Bros Screening Room in London's West End. As this is a very small cinema there are only very limited tickets for the actual screening but all are welcome to the after party which is FREE but you still need a ticket.

Q&A - with the film with director, Jesus Cruz and DJ/collector/Author, Ruben Molina.

DJs Ruben Molina (USA), James Pogson (Symphonical Records), Claire Kalvis, JIm Edwards, David Hill & JM

Rare Soul, Deep Soul, Sweet Soul, Steppers, Lowrider Soul, Chicano Soul, Latin Soul played on original Vinyl 45s

The screening also includes feature a series of short films Symphonical Introduces:

A series of short films celebrating the people behind the music featured on 'The Key To Our Love' compilations.

A snapshot introduction, providing a face to the name behind these well-revered sweet soul records. Grails that have almost been lost to time, now celebrated through Symphonical Records

King Wilson

The Young Mods

Little Caesar

The Invaders

Tickets available here

Eventbrite